Zaalouk is a traditional salad made by cooking eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and flavorings such as cumin, paprika, coriander, and parsley. Although it can be served on its own, zaalouk is also often served as a side dish, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip, when it is paired with crusty bread.

Bissara is a comforting Egyptian and Moroccan dish made with puréed beans – either split peas or dried fava beans. It can be prepared in the form of a soup or porridge, while the thicker versions are commonly used as a dip. The puréed beans are typically seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and the dish is often served with paprika and cumin on the side, while crusty bread is almost mandatory.

Chermoula is a North African marinade consisting of lemon juice, olive oil, coriander, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili peppers, and salt. The final result is a rough-textured paste that is traditionally used with fish or seafood dishes. Although it is mostly used to give flavor to fish, chermoula might also be used on meat and vegetables, as a dipping sauce, or as a dressing for salads.

Amlou is a traditional spread made from toasted almonds, argan oil, and honey. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture similar to natural peanut butter. The preparation of amlou starts with raw almonds, which are toasted to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.